Understanding how cognitive impairment affects walking recovery in older adults after a stroke
Official title: Supplement-Evaluating cognitive impairment as a moderator of locomotor learning in older adults post-stroke
Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-11290704 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how memory and thinking skills affect older adults' ability to learn new ways of walking after a stroke, so we can create better rehab programs to help them recover.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $75,600 |
| NIH project number | 3K01AG073467-04S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11290704 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 65 and above who have experienced a stroke and may be dealing with cognitive impairment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 65 or those who have not experienced a stroke are unlikely to benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how cognitive impairment influences the ability of older adults to learn new walking patterns after experiencing a stroke. The study focuses on two types of motor learning: explicit, which requires conscious effort and feedback, and implicit, which occurs automatically. By examining the relationship between cognitive function and walking recovery, the research aims to tailor rehabilitation strategies that could improve outcomes for older stroke survivors. Participants will engage in gait rehabilitation interventions designed to assess their learning capabilities in relation to their cognitive status.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective rehabilitation programs that enhance walking recovery for older adults after a stroke.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that cognitive factors can significantly impact rehabilitation outcomes, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Leech, Kristan a. — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Leech, Kristan a.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.